Congratulations! You made it! You survived and excelled in your student teaching. You are now a science teacher! If you would, take a few minutes to share your wisdom about how to negotiate this difficult year with the students who are following in your footsteps by answering the following questions.
a. What are some things students should do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly? For one, start planning with your CT long before you actually take over. Get the chapters and topics you are going to do ahead of time and begin creating activities, worksheets, powerpoints, or whatever else it may be during the fall practicum. During your fall practicum, go in and observe as much as possible! Begin teaching lesson plans, correcting papers, etc. Also, learn your students' names as fast as you can. Creat a seting chart, and quiz yourself everyday. Get to know your students on a level of understanding and respect. This will make it so much easier when you begin teaching in the spring.
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching? I would have to say that having your classroom management skills ready to use will prepare them better for student teaching. I would make a list of various techniques that you think would help you, or that you would like to use in your classroom, run the by the CT, and begin implementing these procedures before you officically take over. Also, I would know how to create lesson plans that accurately address the objectives you wish your students to achieve.
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have been better prepared for student teaching if I had ...." Spent more time with my CT during the fall semester. I think that although I stil completed more than the required amountof hours, I wish I did more time, and that I was more involved during my visits. A lot of CT's dont want to hand over the reins until the absolutely have to, but do not be afraid to ask them if you can do something, teach a lesson, or do a demonstration. It does not hurt to open your mouth and ask! Your CT will probably appreciate the fact that your are trying and want to participate.
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?
I would say that you should have lots of fun your Fall semester, do everything you want to do your senior year then because when you start student teaching in the fall, it is a full time commitment/job. It is literally a job. The hardest part for my was seeing my friends not have nearly as much work as me, go out all the time, and not worry about a thing. You just have to remember that this is your passion and to love every second of it, because before you know it, its over. Enjoy the students, they truely are the best part. Try new things, dont be afraid to fail. Listen to all the help your CT is giving you. Constructive criticism can be hard to take, but your CTs are only there to help you. Form a strong relationship with your CT. Learn about your students, go to their baseball games and school plays. Don't wish for your student teaching to go by fast. Don't ever say, "I cant wait for this to be over", because before you know it, it will be over and you'll really miss it. It will be hard and it will be a lot of work. Hang in there, take it day by day, but try to plan as far ahead as you can. Rely on your CT, advisor, and peers for support and for anything else you may need.
a. What are some things students should do in their fall practicum to make their student teaching go more smoothly?
For one, start planning with your CT long before you actually take over. Get the chapters and topics you are going to do ahead of time and begin creating activities, worksheets, powerpoints, or whatever else it may be during the fall practicum. During your fall practicum, go in and observe as much as possible! Begin teaching lesson plans, correcting papers, etc. Also, learn your students' names as fast as you can. Creat a seting chart, and quiz yourself everyday. Get to know your students on a level of understanding and respect. This will make it so much easier when you begin teaching in the spring.
b. What 430 topics/assignments should students make sure are addressed in detail to prepare them for student teaching?
I would have to say that having your classroom management skills ready to use will prepare them better for student teaching. I would make a list of various techniques that you think would help you, or that you would like to use in your classroom, run the by the CT, and begin implementing these procedures before you officically take over. Also, I would know how to create lesson plans that accurately address the objectives you wish your students to achieve.
c. Help the next group of science education student teachers by completing the thought: "If I knew in September what I know now, I could have been better prepared for student teaching if I had ...."
Spent more time with my CT during the fall semester. I think that although I stil completed more than the required amountof hours, I wish I did more time, and that I was more involved during my visits. A lot of CT's dont want to hand over the reins until the absolutely have to, but do not be afraid to ask them if you can do something, teach a lesson, or do a demonstration. It does not hurt to open your mouth and ask! Your CT will probably appreciate the fact that your are trying and want to participate.
d. Are there other words of wisdom/encouragement that you want to share?
I would say that you should have lots of fun your Fall semester, do everything you want to do your senior year then because when you start student teaching in the fall, it is a full time commitment/job. It is literally a job. The hardest part for my was seeing my friends not have nearly as much work as me, go out all the time, and not worry about a thing. You just have to remember that this is your passion and to love every second of it, because before you know it, its over. Enjoy the students, they truely are the best part. Try new things, dont be afraid to fail. Listen to all the help your CT is giving you. Constructive criticism can be hard to take, but your CTs are only there to help you. Form a strong relationship with your CT. Learn about your students, go to their baseball games and school plays. Don't wish for your student teaching to go by fast. Don't ever say, "I cant wait for this to be over", because before you know it, it will be over and you'll really miss it. It will be hard and it will be a lot of work. Hang in there, take it day by day, but try to plan as far ahead as you can. Rely on your CT, advisor, and peers for support and for anything else you may need.